Welcome to The New Messenger, your weekly archdiocesan newsletter featuring messages from Archbishop Gustavo, news briefs, event previews, and updated information. The Archdiocese of San Antonio's weekly newsletter is published every Friday morning. | |
Solemnity of the Assumption
of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Friday, August 15, 2025
| | The Pastoral Ministry Center will be closed in observance of the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. | | The Holy See | Pope Leo XIV | | Papal lunch with poor scheduled for August 17 | | |
The Prefecture of the Papal Household announced that Pope Leo XIV will travel to Albano, Italy, on Sunday, Aug. 17, to celebrate Mass with the poor.
The Holy Father will arrive at the Shrine of Santa Maria della Rotonda in Albano, a municipality located 35 kilometers (about 22 miles) from the Vatican and bordering Castel Gandolfo, to celebrate Mass with a group of people who receive assistance from Caritas.
| | Message from Archbishop Gustavo
García-Siller, MSpS | |
| |  | We are given the privilege of serving many families who would otherwise be unable to afford a Catholic education. As we prepare for the launch of the Education Savings Account Program, we recognize both the excitement of inviting new children into our schools and the honest fears that accompany change. May we examine the gifts God has granted us, rejoice in them, and continue to share them freely. To share hope effectively, we must acknowledge our own littleness and brokenness. Let us ask ourselves: are we transparent vessels of God’s grace in prayer and stewardship? We invite the Holy Spirit to renew our hope, filling us with joy and energy for the work ahead. We who stand at the threshold of this new chapter must intercede for one another, pray without ceasing, and trust that God – though we too seldom trust Him fully – places His confidence in us. May our hearts be set ablaze so that, through Catholic education, countless young souls may know the joy of Christ and the steadfast love of His Church.
| | | | Around the Archdiocese of San Antonio | | |
RSVP today for Assembly 2025:
Day of Prayer, Fasting, and Reconciliation
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We are excited to announce that the RSVP for Assembly is now open!
In honor of the Jubilee Year 2025: Pilgrims of Hope, Archbishop Gustavo has designated Jubilee Pilgrimage Sites across the archdiocese. On Saturday, October 25, these sacred sites will host Assembly 2025, a powerful day proclaimed by the Archbishop as an archdiocesan Day of Prayer, Fasting, and Reconciliation.
Assembly offers an intentional space to step away from life’s daily demands, entrust your burdens to Christ, and recommit to your baptismal call. We believe that through this encounter, you will leave renewed as a pilgrim of hope for the world.
There are 18 unique celebrations scheduled throughout the day with some in the morning and others in the afternoon or evening. You are invited to attend the one that speaks most to you, the one in your area, or even more than one celebration. Participation is free.
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Stewardship Day
Saturday, August 23, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
| | There is still time for register for Stewardship Day 2025 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. Register for a day filled with valuable insights, practical tools, and expert guidance to help your parish thrive in every way. You won’t want to miss out on all the amazing speakers we have lined up for the day. | |
Parish Ministry Formation Near You
Fall Offerings beginning August–October
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Attention all ministry leaders and adults who want to grow as ministers and people of faith. You are invited to begin the Parish Ministry Formation program hosted by the Archdiocesan Institute for Lay Ecclesial Ministry and Service at various locations and dates. Everyone across the archdiocese and from any parish is invited to attend:
- St. Andrew in Pleasanton: Starting August 23
- St. Vincent de Paul: Starting September 13
- St. Timothy: Starting September 20
- St. Matthew: Starting September 27
- Holy Trinity: Starting October 11
- Online Live Sessions: Various dates
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How to celebrate Respect Life Month (October) in your parish
Thursday, August 28, 7 p.m
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The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is hosting an online workshop to help parish leaders celebrate Respect Life Month in October.
Get easy ideas and ready-to-use digital resources during this introductory-level, one-hour webinar. USCCB staff will walk through this year's new materials, as well as the perennial Respect Life Month action guide. This webinar is ideal for parish staff, ministry leaders, and volunteers, but anyone is welcome to join. Although developed with parishes in mind, the materials are adaptable to a variety of settings, such as Catholic schools, youth ministry, and more.
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Care for Creation Mass and Pilgrimage
Sunday, September 14, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
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Mass at Mission Espada followed by a Pilgrimage to Mission San Juan
Join Archbishop Gustavo as we celebrate the Season of Creation with a mariachi Mass at Mission Espada followed by a pilgrimage in support of God’s creation on the river trail to Mission San Juan. During the Season of Creation, we are encouraged to celebrate the gift of creation and act together to care for our common home. The Pilgrimage will take us to Mission San Juan where the archbishop will provide a special blessing. Bring your water bottles and comfortable shoes as we join in protecting, restoring, and enjoying all of God’s creation.
Transportation sponsored by VIA will be provided from Mission San Juan back to Mission Espada.
If you would like to volunteer, email Nicky Mata or call (210) 328-3939.
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Sacramental Records Workshop
September 19, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
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The Archives and Records Management Office is hosting a Sacramental Records Training Workshop at the Pastoral Ministry Center (2718 W. Woodlawn Ave, San Antonio, TX - directions).
This workshop is open to anyone who works with sacramental records, including secretaries, record keepers, DREs, deacons, and priests. Please fill out registration form. Deans interested in scheduling an in-person workshop for their deanery, please contact Elvira Sanchez Kisser for details.
| | Catholic Television of San Antonio | | |
In gratitude for the upcoming 2025-26 academic year, the archdiocesan Catholic School Convocation Mass was celebrated at St. Mark the Evangelist Church on August 5, with Archbishop Gustavo as the presider, with concelebrants including Auxiliary Bishop Michael Boulette and pastors of parochial schools. Following the liturgy school personnel heard presentations from the two archdiocesan teachers of the year as well as Superintendent Dr. Marti West. Cheerleaders, dance teams, and bands from Catholic schools greeted attendees at the conclusion of the morning activities.
| | St. Luke Church hosted a prayer service for those affected by the Hill Country floods on August 4. The congregation lifted up all who lost their lives, prayed for grieving families, and asked for healing and hope for the entire community impacted by the tragedy which took place the previous month on July 4. | |
Today's Catholic Newspaper
| | GOOD NEWS! For just $20, subscribers receive 21 issues of Today's Catholic Newspaper delivered straight to their mailbox. | |
2025 Catholic Directory Sale
Buy 1 Get 1 at 50% Off!
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The directory includes information and Mass schedules for parishes in the archdiocese; updated clergy assignments and a listing of religious orders and organizations; sections dedicated to archdiocesan, educational and health services; and information about archdiocesan priests, deacons, brothers, women religious.
To purchase, click here or contact Mandy Franco at (210) 734-1610 or email mandy.franco@archsa.org.
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Treasures of the Archdiocese of San Antonio: A Commemorative Book
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When you buy the commemorative book Treasures of the Archdiocesan of San Antonio you will also receive the Today's Catholic 150th anniversary magazine as an added bonus.
Don't let this opportunity slip away. Purchase your book now and take home or pass along a piece of history!
- Published by Editions du Signe | ISBN: 978-2-7468-4515-2
- 9.65” x 11.81”
- Soft cover – glossy paper – 440 pages
- Full color throughout
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Seeking to live in sacramental communion with one another, the Archdiocese of San Antonio exists to make disciples and missionaries of Jesus Christ to prepare for the promise of Eternal Life.
| | | | | Don't miss out on the latest news and updates! Visit our Linktree profile now to subscribe to Today's Catholic Newspaper, sign up for The New Messenger, and explore archsa.org. Join our community and stay informed. | | | Copyright © 2025 Archdiocese of San Antonio. All rights reserved. | | | | |
